Sales Manager Skills Checklist to Give You the Edge
A sales manager plays an integral role in an organisation’s growth by serving as the key link between the sales team and overall business goals. The sales manager is a great team player by guiding and assisting the sales team to achieve sales targets and deliver incredible results. Let us take a look at the core sales manager skills, one should develop to become truly effective and successful in the sales manager role.
What Does A Sales Manager Actually Do?
A sales manager’s primary responsibility is to promote and sell products and services on the company’s behalf. This involves introducing new products and company services to potential customers and persuading them to make a purchase. A sales manager works to build customer relations by understanding their needs, pain points and upholding customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities of a Sales Manager Include:
Identifying Business Opportunities
Understanding Customer Needs
Maintaining Customer Satisfaction
Introducing New Products and Services to the Customer
Meeting Sales Targets
What Are The Top Sales Manager Skills ?
Sales manager skills include a set of important skills and abilities a sales manager needs to have to effectively perform in the field of sales. These relevant skills help a sales manager to generate customer loyalty and drive business growth.
Related: Sales Manager Job Description & Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Management
At the core of sales manager skills is the ability to lead and motivate the sales team. The work setting of a sales person can be highly hectic and pressured. Having a supportive and efficient management style can improve employee morale and productivity. Therefore, leadership and management abilities are considered essential skills required to become a sales manager.
Communication Skills
Clear and confident verbal communication skills are really important sales manager skills. A sales manager with persuasive communication abilities can capture a customer's attention and deliver effective sales presentations, meetings and reports in the professional setting. Strong communication skill is one of the indispensable skills needed for a sales manager to navigate the company towards consistent growth and success.
Strategic Thinking
The role of a sales manager extends beyond the daily activities of a regular sales person. The sales manager is required to analyse market trends and identify opportunities to generate revenue for the company. This involves data oriented decision-making, market research and competitor analysis. It is one of the most essential sales manager skills to have.
Time Management
With several responsibilities and deadlines, a sales manager role requires effective time management and organisational skills. Planning, organising and completing daily tasks can help a sales manager to showcase high-productivity and prioritise important tasks accordingly.
Coaching and Mentoring
A sales team’s productivity and outcome is also dependent on the guidance and mentoring of the manager. A sales manager needs to train and mentor team members to improve their potential and maximize sales. Some of the top skills for a sales manager include evaluating team member’s performance, giving feedback and distributing tasks. This is one of the most important sales manager skills to have.
Related:
Adaptability and Resilience
As the field of sales is changing with the shift in market demands and customer requirements, a sales manager must quickly adapt to the changing business landscape. Hence, flexibility and staying updated with the industry trends are core sales manager skills.
To become a successful sales manager, the key step to take is to master in demand skills. Important sales manager skills such as communication, strategic thinking, leadership and mentorship is crucial for a sales manager position.
By developing these fundamental sales manager skills, a sales manager can successfully lead the team and organisation towards long term success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To develop a strong resume to apply for a sales manager position, adding industry relevant skills are necessary. The sales manager resume should contain in demand skills like, communication, leadership, strategic thinking, customer relations, and also technical skills.
Hard skills relevant for the sales manager role include,
Data Analysis
Skills in CRM
Understanding of Sales Tools
Expert in Sales Strategy
Budget Management
For a sales manager working in the sales sector for 2 to 12 years, the annual salary usually ranges between Rs 2.2 Lakhs - Rs 16 Lakhs.
( Salary Source: Ambitionbox)
The sales manager profession needs a bachelors degree in business, marketing or any related field. You can enrol in an MBA in sales management for entering the sales industry. Several years of experience and expertise is crucial for achieving the position as a sales manager.
A sales manager’s role vary with different industries and specialization. Popular job titles under sales manager roles include,
Regional Sales Manager
Area Sales Manager
Business Development Manager
Inside Sales Manager
Retail Sales Manager